Comments

@Jealous U- I've got to say you crack me up with the stats you use- Really?
U of U is 0-2 and BYU is 1-1 against PAC-12 teams? The U has lost to USC and
Arizona State- both excellent teams this year. And BYU has lost to UTAH and won
oficially the worst team in the PAC-12, Washington State. Great comparison. What
would BYU's record be playing Stanford, USC, Oregon and Arizona? 0-4 no
doubt. You are the same Y fan that will say you should be in the top 10 of the
nation because you had another 10 win season- not mentioning who those 10 wins
came against. Come and play the top 6 teams in the PAC-12 and see what your
record is.

runsrealfastPOCATELLO, ID

Oct. 11, 2012 4:46 p.m.

I will agree that Domans play calling has been questionable, but I actually
think he has done a good job. First off we need a kicker. Seriously have an open
tryout. There must be someone on campus who did it in high school who would be
able to do it now. That realy hurts this team and one could argue changes the
play calling. Also the players do need to accept responsibilty. I've seen
alot of missed blocks and we've had some dropped passes and lets not get
started on the fumbles. All in all Doman will be fine. Those that are calling
for him to be fired don't have a clue what they are talking about.

See ItSPRINGVILLE, UT

Oct. 11, 2012 1:44 p.m.

You have got to be kidding? Allow Doman to continue learning. I spoke with a
surgeon about Hill's knee surgery, and he said that the operation is a
difficult one. He also said that Taysom will never be the same. He will not be
the fastest guy on the team, and he will probably never me the starting qb
again. If any other coach had run off the #1 recruited quarterback in the
country and injured another potentially great qb, he would have been fired. What
is it going to take? Riley Nelson getting paralyzed because of a bunch of
running plays? The way the game is being called and managed is utter stupidity.
There needs to be real changes to the O staff and in the head coach if the
current level of medocrity is to ever be improved. Simply saying you're
sorry doesn't cut it when it comes to ruining the dreams and aspirations of
a person's life.

cdchttrtnmeridian, idaho

Oct. 10, 2012 5:54 p.m.

DAVE22, Salt Lake City, Utah...........You've got to be kidding me. Doman
one of the tope 2 or 3 offensive coordinators in the country. There are better
high school coordinators than him. He isn't even one of top 2 or 3 in the
State of Utah.

Henry DrummondSan Jose, CA

Oct. 10, 2012 2:06 p.m.

Everybody wants a return to the Glory Years when BYU lit up the scoreboard and
showed they could play against anybody. It just doesn't seem to be that way
anymore. Defense are simply better - including BYU's.

Right now
Bronco's defense in #5 in the country. That doesn't seem to mean as
much to fans as being top ranked in offense. This guarantees that whoever
becomes BYU's Offensive Coordinator is doomed to live a life of quiet
desperation.

SyracuseCougSyracuse, ut

Oct. 10, 2012 10:13 a.m.

Why are people calling for Bronco's head? You do realize that if he was
fired or left, this top 10 defense would disappear completely and BYU would go
back to giving up 45 points a game again. And if he was fired, who do you
propse BYU hire? Last I checked, Andy Reid is still coaching the Eagles.

Doman obviously is overwhelmed, I can't blame the guy, being Bishop
is like having two full-time jobs. If changes need to be made, I think it will
happen at the end of the season. But once again, if BYU were to fire Doman, who
would we hire? I agree that Doman is struggling, but who do we have in the
wings chomping at the bit to come to BYU to be the OC? I'm just saying
let's make the right choice for the team, don't just start firing
people unless you have a better option available.

NeilTClearfield, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 11:23 p.m.

BYU fans are the reason I would rather follow my hometown Aggies than BYU.
Anyone can be an armchair quarterback. BYU fans excel at it. Cry me a river.
Sorry Hill got hurt. Life is tough. deal with it.

sammygSpringville, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 9:29 p.m.

I'm truly amazed at all of the 'genuine' concern for Coach
Bronco, Brandon and BYU foorball exhibited by so many Ute "fans". It is
so refreshing to feel the 'love'.

When Duckhunter, myself
and others visit your articles to comment please understand our
'genuine' concern for your mismanaged QB situation, struggling,
mediocre, lost to USU, ASU, USC, not going to a bowl game program as well.

Go Bruins!

dave22SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:10 p.m.

everyone needs to lay off Doman.. he is one of the top 2 or 3 offensive
coordinaters in the country.. he has one bad game and everyone wants him fired..
come one, this is unfair..

Dr RushSaint George, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:03 p.m.

Nelson and Hill running QB's, running QB's get hurt. A stable of good
wide out's and your throwing pocket passer James Lark sit's on the
bench and is even demoted to 3rd string. Don't know Doman but if you
can't figure out that at the lest Lark should be given a chance leads me to
believe that he has something personal against Lark or he's lacking the
skill to be an offensive coordinator at the college level.

gdog3finallyWest Jordan, Utah

Oct. 9, 2012 7:33 p.m.

@jazzledazzle

USU ended Utah's season. Not! A national
championship went out the window that night. But that WASN'T going to
happen anyway. The beauty of the PAC 12 is that Utah gets good match ups each
week. USU has three games of significance (Utah, Wisconsin, and BYU). USU went
1-2 in those games. Now, who do you play the rest of the year? Actually, your
season is ruined after a loss.

USU played well @Wisconsin and BYU. I
was impressed. USU did not get worked over anywhere. Beating Utah was the same.
You earned it, but Utah did not get worked over. They lost in overtime on the
road by a pass interference call.

When BYU losses a game, their
season is over. Utah could lose a number of games and still have a shot at the
Rose Bowl. That is not realistic sometimes, but even a middle tier PAC 12 team
gets the kind of bowl game that the MWC champion got. At least now, Utah gets to
play good programs and not Wyoming, UNLV, New Mexico, and CSU.

The
PAC 12 is great for Utah. Find fault and be jealous if you must.

LindonManLindon, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 7:28 p.m.

Andy Reid?

UteologyEast Salt Lake City, Utah

Oct. 9, 2012 7:22 p.m.

Duckhunter

It is also the [BYU] game that matters the most to
whittingham and utah's team. They expend every bit of energy and emotion on
that game and that is why once again they are headed for a losing pac12
record.

-----------

Sure it is. Just look at how we
dismantled #18 Pitt after rolling over BYU in 2004 and after rolling over BYU in
2008 we dismantled #4 Bama (aka the only 12-0 team from a real conference).

I am willing to bet it has more to do with the fact that Utah has 2
years of PAC recruiting while other teams have had decades of PAC recruiting.

Jealous UAlpine, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 6:59 p.m.

Chris B aka Utah 27 USC 21

"Back to fighting for a WAC
championship..."

It's laughable that fans whose team only
won TWO WAC championships in 37 years should speak so disparagingly of WAC
championships.

One thing's for sure, the Utes are guaranteed to
finish dead last in the fight for the WAC championship.

Meanwhile,
Utah State(1-0) and BYU(1-1) both lead Utah(0-2) in the fight for the PAC
championship.

BigCougFanCottonwood Heights, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 6:45 p.m.

Armchair coaches are amazing.. you should all be coaching as a full time career.
Some of you have coached - youth teams. And by the way you talk I would guess
that you never made a bad call or lost a game. With so much talent in the
coaching ranks it's a wonder our Utah High Schools don't all have
winning records.

Bronco and Doman are doing a good job. Have they
made some mistakes? Yes. But then all of you have too. Stop casting stones and
start supporting the team.

bigvern22Sandy, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 5:58 p.m.

Not on the "hot seat" with me! Relax BYU fans, it'll be fine, and
get off get the BYU articles Ute fans (who have nothing better to do than stir
up trouble! You have enough you should be thinking about with your own team!).
Go Cougs!

Old NavyProvo, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 5:20 p.m.

What does him serving as a bishop have to do with the lack of common sense to
just kneel on the ball when the game is essentially over and kill the clock?

royalblueAlpine, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 5:16 p.m.

SCCougar

Brandon moved to the sideline when Taysom was starting so it
would be easier for him to work with his young quarterback during the game.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the booth with Riley
starting again.

cdchttrtnmeridian, idaho

Oct. 9, 2012 5:15 p.m.

What is wrong with the church? Why would they call a football coach to be a
bishop? Don't they understand that being a football coach at the division
I level is a full time job. If done right it takes a full day and even some
nights. I just understand this thinking.

If all of you remember the
risky plays that were call at the end of the utah state game. two options plays
and a shovel pass on a fake pass play. All of these could have turned to to a
disaster.

I BYU wants to play for a champtionship or even a bowl game
their thinking has got to change. If all they do is want to play for fun and
not worry about winning, then let us know. I for one wants to win. Coach M.
wants football to be the flag bearer of the university. At this moment it is
far from that. This is my take.

Ghost WriterGILBERT, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 5:12 p.m.

Funny thing . . . I used to hear these same complaints about Norm Chow.

SCCougarLEXINGTON, SC

Oct. 9, 2012 4:35 p.m.

BHC: Wasn't showing lack of support, it was a serious inquiry. Last season
he began on the sideline and had struggled with seeing the field or whatever so
he moved to the press box. Has he said why he is back down on the field?

4BSSt George, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 4:19 p.m.

@ Two for Flinching, I obviously understand the poor call in that
situation. Thanks for explaining the obvious. I still say 'move on'.

Broom Hockey ChampScottsdale, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 4:13 p.m.

"Curious why Doman is once again roaming the sidelines during the game and
not in the press box?"

Please see my post at 3:34PM.

SCCougarLEXINGTON, SC

Oct. 9, 2012 4:06 p.m.

Curious why Doman is once again roaming the sidelines during the game and not in
the press box?

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 3:55 p.m.

@atl134

I never posted anything about the BYU kicking game.

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 3:51 p.m.

@carson

I don't "try" to get you to believe anything. I
just state facts. utah "fans" like yourself don't like facts. I
just appreciate thenuns honesty on this particular subject. The BYU game has
always been and will always be the game that matters most for utah
"fans" like yourselves. It is also the game that matters the most to
whittingham and utah's team. They expend every bit of energy and emotion on
that game and that is why once again they are headed for a losing pac12
record.

I'm sure you are enjoying that as well.

LOL!

HondoScottsdale, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 3:41 p.m.

"Get your game plan going and I like to see our backups qb start making more
passes or let Van Noy be the starter. PLEASE!"

Making Van Noy the
QB makes a lot of sense. I welcome this idea. In fact, I revel in it.

atl134Salt Lake City, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 3:41 p.m.

@Duckhunter"In his defense, if BYU's kicking game was better, the
Cougars would be 6-0."

Last I checked the two teams BYU lost to
have no kicking game either.

"It is #1, always has been, always
will be."

It depends on year. This year since we're headed
for a middling 6-6 type season then yes, BYU is the most important. A lot of
other years it'd be a bowl game, or a conference championship game, or a
deciding game to figure out who represents the south in the... ugh, Colorado...

Broom Hockey ChampScottsdale, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 3:34 p.m.

"I'd take him over Brian Johnson any day. Ultimately, Bronco is in
charge of everything, including the offense. Learn from it and move on."

I agree. So what if Doman wants to shave his head, sit in the booth,
stand on the side line, eat copious amounts of garlic bread, or wear sweat pants
when he goes on dates with his wife.

Get over it, legion of
ninnyhammers. He's not as astute as Lavell Edwards (who is?), but
he's BYU's OC. Bronco chose him for a reason and he needs our
support!

Doman > Brian Johnson

So. Cal ReaderSan Diego, CA

Oct. 9, 2012 3:28 p.m.

1) "Doman needs help and time:"I guess 2 1/2 years as the OC isn't
enough time and he's still regarded as "learning on the job"?
(2)"With a head coach that is excelling as an outstanding defensive
coordinator ..." That's exactly contributing to the problem here. We
either have a head-coach or a DC. Obviously the "Head Coach" portion has
taken a hit. Coach Bronco's continuing lack of overall attention to the
entire team and leaving the offense in the hands of such inexperience is a
significant issue. (3) "Like Utah's OC Brian Johnson..." Again,
Johnson, at 24 years of age, is in his very first year as an OC. Doman's
got 2 1/2 years under his belt. (5) "He was called to be an LDS bishop in
the offseason." OK. Set, game and match! No way can he adequately do both.
With that being said, as much as I'm displeased with Doman, there's no
need for a change now. The Cougs will get to at least 6 vitories & play in
the Poinsettia Bowl. The change will be needed at season's end.

Two For FlinchingSalt Lake City, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 3:13 p.m.

@ 4BS

Injuries do happen, but there is no reason for an injury to
occur when a team has the game won and only has to take a knee to run out the
clock. Hill's injury is 100% on Doman's shoulders for his
ridiculously stupid play call. Bronco is also to blame for not calling a timeout
when he saw the team wasn't in "victory" formation.

So. Cal ReaderSan Diego, CA

Oct. 9, 2012 2:48 p.m.

@ Runner-- I guess things are viewed differently by Cougs fans when we're
not entrenched in Happy Valley. Doman and Coach Bronco's response about the
last call of the game is comical. Talk about “the right hand not knowing
what the left hand is doing." The offense is pathetic. When does
"learning on the job" end, other than for the steady stream of
quarterbacks?

SoCalChrisRiverside, CA

Oct. 9, 2012 2:35 p.m.

The success BYU has had this year has been due to the defense. I don't
know any BYU fan who hasn't questioned the play calling. It's no
surprise 2 QBs are injured with all the options and draw plays.

4BSSt George, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 2:34 p.m.

Much ado about nothing. Injuries happen in football, I don't see the need
to keep trying to blame someone. Doman is still learning, he's doing fine.
I'd take him over Brian Johnson any day. Ultimately, Bronco is in charge of
everything, including the offense. Learn from it and move on.

DEW CougarsSandy, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 2:30 p.m.

This should have NEVER been in the medias thing. How stupid to be published.
Dumb excuses about BYU Football problems on this Offense Team.

Can't fix Taymon (except surgery will taken care of). Get your game plan
going and I like to see our backups qb start making more passes or let Van Noy
be the starter. PLEASE!

BYU DeekSpanish Fork, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 2:10 p.m.

Everyone saying that we need to bring in Detmer is clueless. Detmer would be yet
another 1st time coordinator. What I think needs to happen, and of course, this
is a dream scenario and most likely will never happen. The Philadelphia Eagles
need to fire Andy Reid. Then, BYU needs to hire him as head coach, while Bronce
steps down as H.C. but remains as the D.C. Doman goes back to qb coach. Reid
runs the offense, Bronco the defense. This my friends would be a winning
combination, and Reid wouldn't ever have to deal with another person named
Vick for the rest of his life.

idabluIdaho Falls, ID

Oct. 9, 2012 1:49 p.m.

It is tough to experience success if your offensive line is bad. In fact, I
think most coaches would agree that the success or failure of a football team
rests on the shoulders of the offensive line.

PGVikingDadPleasant Grove, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 1:43 p.m.

So much hand-wringing over a game. And worse yet, nobody is being honest with
themselves. The truth is, BYU is exactly three plays from being 100% healthy and
100% successful, and not a soul on this board would be doing anything other than
singing the praises of Bronco Mendenhall and, yes, Brandon Doman.

idabluIdaho Falls, ID

Oct. 9, 2012 1:37 p.m.

I like the article. I like Doman. His character, humility, integrity, and work
ethic represent BYU very well. And I am ashamed at myself (and countless others)
for posting judgment on a guy who has to juggle being a bishop, a dad, and an
offensive coordinator at BYU. I know he spends countless hours in his jobs as an
OC and a bishop. I don't know how he has any time for his family.

So, although I don't think he is cut out to be an offensive coordinator,
I won't ask for his head on a platter. I think he has great value to BYU
football, especially as a recruiter, just not as an OC. I like the idea of
having Doman mentored by an experienced OC while he (Doman) serves in some other
capacity on the coaching staff. I actually think Doman would welcome that.

Also he has to deal with an offensive line that was pretty average last
year and sub-par this year.

I love Detmer's answer to the
question about coming to Provo to help out Doman, but seriously, is there a
chance we can get Detmer here?

Cougar PassionSalt Lake City, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 1:17 p.m.

Dick Harmon was on to something by talking to Ty Detmer, although not in the
vein he took it. Anybody who doesn't think Ty Detmer would be an
incredible offensive coordinator, please raise your hand. And I do like the
idea of mobile quarterbacks. It certainly does give a team more flexibility.
But the quarterback should be a quarterback--passing--first, and a running back
only a very distant second. As great as Steve Young was, he learned over his
career to be judicious in the use of his running abilities, and that's the
way it should be at BYU as well. A big part of the problem in that regard is
that Brandon Doman never got hurt--at least in college--as a running
quarterback, so he likely doesn't have the mindset that running the
quarterback is an inherently risky proposition. As much as I like Doman for
what he did in his playing days, I don't think he's the guy for the
job. "Release" him, let him be a bishop, get Ty Detmer, and stay out of
his way. Bronco as DC, Detmer as OC. Sounds like a winning combination.

BigLebowskiMesa, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 12:37 p.m.

If Doman thinks the seat is hot now, just wait three more games when the Cogs
are 4-5 and needing to win two of the last three to be bowl eligible.

SportsChemistryENGLEWOOD, CO

Oct. 9, 2012 12:33 p.m.

Geez. BYU fans are such a fickle bunch. You have a coach that has a winning
percentage above .700, five 10-win seasons, 5-2 in bowl games, and a team with
no serious NCAA infractions while he has been head coach. How many active LDS
football coaches out there can give you that? Be realistic. You have limited
options and none offer the same resume. Also, consider if Mendenhall does get
fired, you have to find a head coach AND a defensive coordinator. BYU football
would be set back at least 3 years (4+ if Doman gets ousted with him.)

My advice: Don’t give up something good unless you know you have
something better.

PavalovaSurfers Paradise, AU

Oct. 9, 2012 12:20 p.m.

As long as Utah plays teams with a B Y in the acronym, they are guaranteed to
win 70% of the time...BYU and BYE. The U beat BYU again...well deserved. They
also beat BYE. Now when it comes to USC, UO, and others, the success is not
that good.

Hey, you will be going to the Rose Bowl when you play
UCLA on the road. So you have that going for you this year.

Wayne RoutEl Paso, TX

Oct. 9, 2012 11:46 a.m.

Bronco does not understand leadership. He thinks it means talking loud and
jumping around or wearing your hat backwards. Bronco is not a manager. The
most important job of any manager is to hire good subordinates. These largely
should be people with proven skills. In the private sector, no one could keep
their job doing what Bronco does. He is committed to defense and has little
interest in offense. He wants to surround himself with young men in coaching
positions that have little experience. They won't argue with him. The
whole Riley Nelson experiment illustrates what is wrong with this coaching
staff. I see no hope for the BYU program under the present leadership or
rather lack thereof.

CarsonProvo, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 11:44 a.m.

@ TheNun, You hit the nail right on the head!

@ Ducky,
LOL on the things you try to get the rest of us to believe!

RepresentBlueWest Jordan, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 11:37 a.m.

@CougFaninTX

You are absolutely correct. The ramifications of
Hill's injury, both to this season and next season, cannot be overstated.
If we are lucky he will be back in time for spring ball, but he will have missed
out on valuable development and will also not be able to bail out Nelson
anymore. Hopefully Lark will be able to because Nelson is always an interception
or injury waiting to happen every time he steps on the field.

CougFaninTXFrisco, TX

Oct. 9, 2012 11:16 a.m.

It's obvious - Bronco is a great defensive coordinator, but not a head
coach. Calling him a head coach could work if we had a great offensive
coordinator. But we don't.

Do you think this kind of mistake
would happen at Alabama, Texas, or Michigan. For starters, the OC wouldn't
make such a boneheaded call. And if he did, the HC would have stepped in.

This is a killer for next year. Even if Riley came back as the starter,
and stayed healthy; Hill would have gotten plenty of mop up duty in November.
Now he will not be able to work with the receivers during the Winter off-season,
and he may not be ready for Spring practice.

Hill's injury is a
tragedy and a disaster for next season. If Brandon wants to take
accountability, he should recognize he can't do the job and resign.
Because Bronco will not tough his beloved friend.

Uncle RicoSandy, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 11:07 a.m.

There is no defence for letting Nelson play and lose us the Bouse game.

Think It ThroughScottsdale, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 10:35 a.m.

Doman needs to be fired or demoted. The whole be patient thing is a waste of
every BYU fans time. Our athletic talent far surpasses our production which
means it's due to coaching. Let Doman go to a FCS school to have these
growing pains. Too many lost opportunities and bad play calling are solely due
to his inability to be an OC.

Brave Sir RobinSan Diego, CA

Oct. 9, 2012 10:07 a.m.

As a Utah fan, I hope BYU keeps Bronco and Doman forever. The almost-guaranteed
win is nice, the coach/fan/player circus is even better. Keep it up, BYU!

ComplimentaryCottonwood Heights, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 9:25 a.m.

Though Taysom's accident is sad, I hope it helps change the direction of
the coaching staff with respect to QB play. Hopefully their approach changes
from a "running QB who can throw" to a "pocket QB who can run - if
needed." I think Taysom has the potential to be a better QB ultimately.
After rehab he will not be quite as mobile but he'll be forced to learn
defenses and polish drop back in the pocket and throw techniques. I wish you the
best Taysom on your recovery!

Whoa NellieAmerican Fork, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 9:23 a.m.

Hunting sounds much more fun than wasting energy trying to come to grips with
BYU's lack of offense and coaching. If I were a young talented high school
player being recruited to play offense at BYU, especially if I were a QB or
receiver, honestly I would not consider them. What a waste of talent BYU has at
those positions sitting on the bench or running routes just to look busy. Until
the coaching gets fixed the offense never will.

Just so you all
won't get too hung up on the demands of a church calling and career, any
stake president will tell you your job comes first; a church calling is at the
bottom of anyone's list.

Broom Hockey ChampScottsdale, AZ

Oct. 9, 2012 9:19 a.m.

The problem goes beyond Doman. This is the second year in a row that the QB
position has been incorrectly evaluated. Last year, Heaps was the
"guy." Only we found out a few games in that he was not the
"guy." This year, Nelson was the "guy." Only we found out he
is not the "guy." This playing hurt business is nonsense. If he was
impaired by the injury, why was he on the field? He could have gotten hurt even
worse.

Doman has no idea what he is doing. Hoffman and Friel should
be getting the ball a lot more than they are and Alisa shouldn't be the
starting RB. Doman's a "yes man," though. Bronco is behind this.
Bronco is better as a defensive coordinator, not a head coach.

Let's expose the Beavers.

dustmanNampa, ID

Oct. 9, 2012 9:15 a.m.

Running QB = Hurt QB.

Even my wife was like, "why aren't
they taking a knee to run out the clock?" Then Hill comes up limping.

Nelson ran the ball too much and got hurt. Doman ran Hill too much now
he got hurt. I hope Tanner Mangum still wants to play QB for BYU when he comes
off his mission. He admits he isn't a running QB.

What was the
definition of insanity? Something like doing the same thing over and over again
and expecting a different result. Doman is insane. He isn't even trying to
throw the ball.

54-10Salt Lake City, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 9:12 a.m.

Sad that a young man was hurt because an offensive coordinator is in over his
head.

TheNunGranstville, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 9:05 a.m.

@ duckhunter,

I think most teams enjoy beating BYU, but not because
of the football team, as much as they enjoy beating the cougar's fan
base.

A Ute win, 8 of the past 11 times, carries so much hurt each
year. The enjoyment comes from seeing the ways the cougar loss is spun and the
creative ways the hurt is tried to be put aside.

I guess you can say
it is the gift that keeps on giving. I, for one, don't have a problem
admitting that. LOL

DuckhunterHighland, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:44 a.m.

@thenun

We are all very aware that the BYU game is the most important
game to utah and its "fans" every season but thank you for publicly
alnowledging that fact. Most utah "fans" try to claim it is 10th, but of
course that is false. It is #1, always has been, always will be.

LOL!

RepresentBlueWest Jordan, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:42 a.m.

I am glad that Bronco and Doman are accepting responsibility for the insane play
call that resulted in Taysom Hill's injury, but the explanation that it was
a result of a "miscommunication" just doesn't add up. Somebody
called that play and since Bronco does not involve himself with the offensive
play-calling there could have been only two people: Doman or Hill. It is very
possible that Hill audibled and called the QB draw, but is far more likely that
a rookie OC called the play because he did not realize until it was too late
that all they had to do was take a knee. This may be Doman's second season,
and his 19th game that he has called, but he is still making rookie mistakes
that are costing BYU games. I know his job isnt easy, and he is doing the best
he can, but it is the job he was hired to perform. It is also the job that was
taken away from another good man because BYU felt Doman could do it better. So
far it hasnt worked out that way and Doman's mistakes are costing BYU
games.

Lone Star CougarPlano, TX

Oct. 9, 2012 8:41 a.m.

I have read and commented on mostly all the BYU articles lately and my
frustration has been expressed. BUT - I will go on supporting BYU football and
I hope our offense and kicking game will quickly improve. I am supporting Coach
Mendenhall and Coach Doman for the rest of the season.

May I make
some suggestions? May we look for a kicker somewhere that can help us? May we
find a retired coach, a sage that can help with some of the details for the
offense to take some of the pressure off of Coach Doman. I have seen this work
very well in years past when new coaches are brought in. They are not there to
criticize or compete for your job but just be there to offer experience and a
steady hand to rely on.

TheNunGranstville, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:36 a.m.

Wait a minute, if bronco has to call a timeout each time "Every BYU fan in
the stadium was puzzled", the game would never end. LOL

oldcougarOrem, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:25 a.m.

I like Bronco...he's a good man. I like Brandon...also a good man. I would
enjoy having Brandon as a bishop.

However, as a season ticket holder,
I don't like BYU football anymore. Maybe I'm getting old, maybe I like
other interests more. Or, just maybe, I'm hoping for the quality of play we
used to enjoy and I'm constantly disappointed. I'm not close enough to
the program to know the answers, but I may go bird hunting until they figure it
out. Life is too short to be so frustrated by something I can't fix. At
least if I come home with an empty vest I can do some things to change that.

All the best to you, Taysom, in your recovery. That's a tough blow
to a young man who has served the Lord and worked very hard on the field.
Thoughts and prayers are with you. Have you considered grouse hunting? Great
therapy!

Black&BlueSt George, Utah

Oct. 9, 2012 8:14 a.m.

Jazzledazzle,

Every single one of those excuses you listed can be
directly pinned on Doman. It is his job and responsibility to..1-Field a
prepared and capable offensive line that can protect a QB in the pocket.2-Develop a QB's throwing skills and his ability to read defenses and run
an effective offense3-Build a depth chart with experienced and competitive
skill players, especially at QB.4-Establish a down-field passing attack,
which in turn, opens up the running game and keeps defenses guessing. Every 9th
grade QB knows this concept. The offensive line cannot block 8 defenders on the
line of scrimmage.

As the OC, Doman is responsible for EVERYTHING
that happens while the offense is on the field. His preparation is ineffective,
his play-calling is ridiculous and is a liability and danger to players, and
worst of all, he refuses to make adjustments and fix the obvious problems. It
is increasingly obvious that Doman cannot cut it as OC. He couldn't even
cut it as a QB coach. It really is time for a change.

Magic HappensKaysville, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:11 a.m.

"In his defense, if BYU's kicking game was better, the Cougars would be
6-0." -DH

If's and but's - the last refuge of the truly
desperate seeking validation.

Unfortunate for Taysom and hope his
recovery is successful. Also unfortunate for Cougar fans is the carousel called
BYU football more specifically BYU coaching. How much more frustration can the
fans take. Mismanagement of players, game plans, communication, but no
mismanagement of excuses. Its a good thing BYU locked up its bowl game last
year.

Also heard that Oregon State lost the QB for the season and
will be starting an unproven player. This should give the Cougars the advantage
at this position, shouldn't it?

mohokatOgden, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 8:05 a.m.

Its not Domans fault. It is George Bush's fault. Oh wait that is another
guy who says that.

JazzledazzleProvo, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 7:38 a.m.

Running a play is unexplicable in that situation. Mistake on Doman's part.
However, BYU's problems cannot all be pinned on Doman. They have
issues:

1- No offensive line2- Riley Nelson is not a throwing
QB3- Taysom Hill is a true freshman4- BYU cannot run the ball
because they have no offensive line

When that is what you have to
work with on offense you will struggle. I think part of it is Doman's
inexperience, part of it is that he has an inferior offensive unit. Given this
roster, I am not sure how well any OC would do. I understand all the
frustration and criticism for the injury, it is deserved, but it is not all on
Doman.

Those calling for a new coach, get real. Bronco is the right
man for the job and has the defense playing at the best it ever has, and one of
the best in the nation. BYU is not as good as you all want them to be. They
are limited in their recruiting, and have to make due with who they get. I hope
they beat Notre Dame, that woudl be cool.

BlutoSandy, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 7:20 a.m.

Bronco is a great Defensive Coordinator....but that is where it starts and
ends.

He lacks basic fundamentals as a Head Coach.

Every
year, it seems as though Bronco has to learn basic lessons every High School
Coach already knows.

Brandon Doman was and is not qualified for this
job. Bronco hired him. Do the math.

Watch Bronco on the sidelines, he
has a headset, but he's never taliking to anyone.Totally Disengaged.

Remember these coaches are all making 6 figure salaries. And
Bronco is making 7 figures. This is not their cute little training ground,
they should have already been ready for these responsibilities.

BYU
has always been a Pro-Set offense. And all Brandon knows is the Skyline High
option attack.

And now the top two QB's are injured.

And James Lark, a true Pro-Set QB, is nowhere to be seen.

shortsPayson, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 6:57 a.m.

re: UteologyWhich part of the statement was wrong. "In his defense,
BYU is 4 points short at Utah and 2 points shy at Boise State from being
undefeated." You could also say BYU is 1 point shy of being 3-3. And it
is true that if BYU's kicking game was better, the Cougars would be 6-0.
and our kicking game stinks but no one in utah has a kicker.

Last
season dosn't tell you anything about this year. BYU is 0-1 against good
teams this year. Remember ya'll still have to play Washington State a bad
team. If BYU loses their next two games and wins out I will admit and most fans
will agree that BYU had a bad year.

And I don't think Utah is
a good team this year either.

Pa. ReaderHarrisburg, PA

Oct. 9, 2012 6:53 a.m.

How many more top recruits and current players will flee BYU's inept
offense before something is done?I'm sure Doman is a great bishop. He
will one day be released from that calling and receive a new assignment in his
ward. Now is the time for his "release" as OC. Keep him in another role
for which he is better prepared, if possible, but all his good work as a
recruiter will be for naught if the offense is not fixed--and quickly.

Parkite1Park City, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 6:48 a.m.

Time for both Doman and Bronco to go!

New to UtahPAYSON, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 6:13 a.m.

Taysom Hills injury is inexcuseable. Brandon Doman blew it. BYU lost to an
average to poor Utah team and a rebuilding BSU with a new quarterback.Kyle
Wittingham and Chris Petersen outcoached out manuevered Bronco Mendenhall pure
and simple. BYU has speed athleticism and great desire what it has lacked it
great coaching. Why on earth sugar coat the obvious?

JazzledazzleProvo, UT

Oct. 9, 2012 4:11 a.m.

@ Chris B

And as a Utah State fan, we ended your season in Logan my
friend. Don't come on here and talk smack when your team aint so
impressive. The USC game was fools gold, you guys got absolutely handled. The
first 3 minutes made that game at least entertaining. Jon Hays cannot move the
ball. Utah is the cute little team that joined the PAC 12 and is finding out,
life is much different with the big boys than in the Mountain West.

indycrimsonFranklin, IN

Oct. 9, 2012 2:35 a.m.

A pattern exists and it goes like this:

July of any year: BYU is
going undefeated. National Championship in reach. QB a Hiesman candidate.September of any year: Losses occur, then mount, then multiply. QB
controversy ensues.October of any year: Fire the OC, 50% want to fire the
head coach.

Like clock work!! Amazing...

gdog3finallyWest Jordan, Utah

Oct. 9, 2012 12:48 a.m.

I am starting to not feel sorry for BYU's program on this situation. I just
watched the video link on the other 'Hill Hurt' article, and Bronco
isn't owning up to the bad coaching call to me. Sure he says "it was
our fault", but it comes after making excuses for why the victory formation
wasn't instituted. The reasons also put blame on Hill, as if getting hurt
wasn't insult enough. I would transfer if I were Hill.

Bronco
says 'victory' was yelled after signalling to Hill that the clock was
running. Seeing the latter, Hill went to run the play. So what if Hill
didn't look back to the sidelines. BYU's coaches shouldn't have
been concerned with the clock running anyway. Are they worried about delay of
game? I mean, the whole point was to run the clock, not compete with it. In wins
and losses this year, BYU has been battling themselves more than their
opponents.

Hill got hurt, but BYU could have fumbled also. Could you
imagine Herm Edwards running back a TD the other way? Youngsters, youtube
'Miracle in the Meadowlands'. The coach got fired there in 1979.

philaDClifton Heights, PA

Oct. 9, 2012 12:40 a.m.

As a BYU alum, I fully support the current head coach and recognize that he
brought the program from the brink of disaster. His defenses have gotten better
over the years. He is getting some amazing recruits and he'll continue to
put together top 10 defenses which will keep BYU in any game. Just need a
little more offense....

Doman on the other hand is painting himself
in a corner. Allowing Heaps to start in 2011 and allowing Nelson to play injured
in 2012 are two of his biggest errors. HE should have put his foot down and
done what was best for his offense.

Having said that, I think Doman
is a few short years away from being an excellent OC, and I'm willing to go
through some growing pains while he grows into his new role. His players love
him and he's a great recruiter. When he starts putting up decent offensive
numbers, BYU will be an absolutely scary team if the defense continues their
level of play.

Rise Up.

gdog3finallyWest Jordan, Utah

Oct. 9, 2012 12:02 a.m.

Doman didn't do this on purpose. Forgiving him is one thing. Expecting your
offensive coordinator to know better is another.

With BYU Football,
the church obviously comes first, as it should. Still, I can't imagine,
given the time it takes to be a good bishop and coordinator, why the job and
calling were both offered Doman at the same time.

I realize that
with non paid clergy, bishops usually have full time jobs. However, being a
coordinator is a not a usual job. Being a bishop has heavy demands and requires
endless energy. Same thing as an OC. BYU football coaches and players get Sunday
off. Doman gets no days off. Does he go straight from BYU practice to mid week
meetings and interviews? How does he get family time? Does he sleep?

Doman will make more bad decisions on the football field from being weary. I
am no OC, and before the 19th carry of Hill took place, I was thinking why
isn't BYU in victory formation. Also, Hill getting hurt is not the only
risk. What if running a legit play saw a fumble (a la Herm Edwards and the
'Miracle of the Meadowlands').

Tokyo_ExpatTokyo, Japan

Oct. 8, 2012 11:38 p.m.

In his defense, Doman's offenses have never been capable of scoring against
decent competition. What frustrates most fans is the vast difference between
reality, and what was promised by Doman after he was hired as OC. If his name
were Obama, we'd be calling for him to be tossed out of office for the lack
of fuliflled promises!

To review, he promised a return to BYU's
traditional (passing) offense. One that would keep opponents guessing, and score
in a myriad of ways. He promised trick plays every game so opponents would have
to spend time preparing for something they may not see each week. He promised a
vertical passing game that would utilize the offensive strength of it's
best position at wide receiver. The list could go on a while still...

What has he delivered? An offense that is even more vanilla than anything
Robert Anae put on the field. One that can't score more than 13 points
against almost any decent defense. How does New Mexico score 29 points on Boise
the week after BYU only scores 6?! I can tell you right now, it's because
of scheme and coaching, not talent!

BlueHuskyMission Viejo, CA

Oct. 8, 2012 11:32 p.m.

BYU Joe nailed it. We need an OC - Assistant Head Coach. Bronco is one of the
best DC's in the country, and he is a great recruiter. Handling the unique
problems of a BYU coach as well as Bronco does is amazing. But he's not an
OC. Doman is a great guy but he's not an OC either. Bring in an offensive
guru to complement Bronco who is a defensive guru. Let them share HC duties if
that makes sense, but for sure we need an experienced OC.

Meanwhile,
we have a game to play against #10 Oregon State. Let's move on and win that
one. The defense will show up. Coach Doman, it is up to you to ensure that the
offense shows up too.

ShmittyWittyMaple Valley, WA

Oct. 8, 2012 11:29 p.m.

As a BYU alum/fan, I would fully support a head coaching change.

YoshLos Angeles, CA

Oct. 8, 2012 11:05 p.m.

Bronco said they called in victory formation when interviewed after practice
today. Harmon's sources say they called in a regular play. Somebody is
fibbing here.....

toosmartforyouFarmington, UT

Oct. 8, 2012 10:59 p.m.

20-20 hindsight is the kindest thing I can say.

phantombladeSalt Lake City, Utah

Oct. 8, 2012 10:54 p.m.

Every BYU fan in the stadium was puzzled when BYU didn't line up in the
victory formation on first down with the game already decided. If it was a
miscommunication, Bronco should have immediately called a timeout to get things
straightened out.

I had hope that Brandon would grow into the job,
but after a season and a half, it's obvious he's in way over his head.

MortoonIdaho Falls, ID

Oct. 8, 2012 10:33 p.m.

If Domam really feels all that bad then he should resign!

BYU JoeMISSION VIEJO, CA

Oct. 8, 2012 10:27 p.m.

Here is another look at this. Bronco is an exceptional Defensive Coach. The
best BYU has ever had. He runs the game however like a defensive coordinator.
He runs the program like a defensive coordinator. He calls the game based upon
the view of a defensive coordinator.

Now this is not a bad thing
because BYU has an exceptional defense right now. But when you have such a
defensive minded coach you need a strong and experience Offensive Coach to
balance out things. An offensive minded Coach would never have gone for two
against Boise because her would have recognized that he had no time outs. And
the critical problem was not if the defense could stop Boise it was would they
have time to manage the come back.

In the end Doman is simply not
ready to be the balance to such a defensive minded Coach. This is one of the
key problems. That and Doman somehow thinks that a running QB is a good thing -
ah two QBs down and one moved away. Not such a good plan.

UteologyEast Salt Lake City, Utah

Oct. 8, 2012 10:20 p.m.

"In his defense, BYU is 4 points short at Utah and 2 points shy at Boise
State from being undefeated. In his defense, if BYU's kicking game was
better, the Cougars would be 6-0." -DH

Keep dreaming. Over the
last 2 seasons BYU is 3-5 against good teams for a reason (and I don't even
think Utah is a good team this year).

Cougsrock original Maricopa, Az

Oct. 8, 2012 10:19 p.m.

Chris B. I guess we can argue at what point the season has ended. For Utah it
will end bowl ineligible.

sammygSpringville, UT

Oct. 8, 2012 10:17 p.m.

Sad to hear of this breakdown in coaching communication. This one hurts.

I give up. I've tried now for 15 minutes to express myself on this
issue but I have to let it go. There isn't anything to say except to
encourage all of the coaches and players to do their jobs to the best of their
ability.

Discuss these things and work out the problems so no one has
to sacrifice themselves to unnecessary risks.

Tough lesson here to
learn. Good luck Taysom in your recovery and rehab.

I can only
imagine the comments that will come from this article. Many of them will be well
deserved I'm sure.

RockOnSpanish Fork, UT

Oct. 8, 2012 10:01 p.m.

In my business, if I hired someone to be my CEO who had never been a CEO,
investors would lay some questions hard and fast. But if that CEO hired a
marketing director who had never even worked as a marketing manager, and we
struggled in marketing, justifiably they'd have my head.

Bronco
was a risk to hire. He's done okay against a few tough opponents and
against some weaker ones, and he's greatly improved in making sure BYU
recruits kids who can live the BYU life. But, after that mediocrity has stepped
in. But hiring Doman with no previous team management experience (QB coach
isn't the same), was nuts. I liked Doman as a QB because of his grit, but
he was no Steve Young.

BYU must hire coaches with experience and
eliminate On the Job Training.

As to Taysom Hill... this is an
unmitigated disaster. The idea was to groom him so he'd be ready for the
very tough 2013 schedule. Why was a QB sneak even suggested let alone run? Bad
news for 2013.

Here's hoping Reilly is actually healthy and no
continuing the snow job of Bronco.

RunnerChandler, AZ

Oct. 8, 2012 9:46 p.m.

Harmon, seriously? Thanks for the excuse riddled article. "All Doman needs
is time". Are you kidding me? He was a mediocre QB at best, he had no pro
career to speak of and now he has the responsibility of teaching and coaching
QBs at the D-1 level? What is going on? Since when did BYU become the coaching
development program? And now, your laying out excuse, after excuse as to why
fans should just sit back, keep shelling out $50-$100 per ticket while this guy
slowly, painfully slowly makes his way up the learning curve? Wow! The only
thing more frustrating than yours, and all the other Utah media coverage, is
actually watching this offense trip all over themselves while they,
"continue to learn and correct mistakes."

Chris BSalt Lake City, UT

Oct. 8, 2012 9:46 p.m.

Dont get too down doman. It's not like your season had purpose anyways
when hill got hurt. You see, we ended your season in salt lake city. Dashes were
offseason dreams of bcs and national glory